Education
- BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- MS, Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- PhD, Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh
- Postdoc, Physiology, Neuroscience Research Australia
- Postdoc, Neuromechanics, University of Florida
Research Summary
Dr. Pliner aims to improve safety and reduce accidents in high-stakes situations, where an error can lead to severe injury or fatality. Her research applies a human factors approach, investigating individual, environmental, and interfacing factors, yielding comprehensive knowledge of the problem. Her unique set of expertise enables her team to investigate complex interfacing biomechanical and neural factors of safe and effective activity in experimental and simulated real-world paradigms.
Biography
Dr. Erika Pliner is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. Her research applies core competencies on biomechanics, ergonomics, and neuroscience to improve personal and occupational safety. Her postdoctoral work investigated the neural components of balance training efficacy with mobile brain imaging via electroencephalogram (EEG). She obtained her PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, where her research focused on identifying individual, environmental and biomechanical risk factors of ladder falls. Dr. Pliner has been active in translating risk factors of ladder falls to safer ladder use practices for individuals, companies and government organizations. Dr. Pliner funded the entirety of her research training. These grants comprised of the NIH F32 and T32 Fellowships, the Whitaker International Fellowship and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Dr. Pliner received her BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Honors & Awards
NIH F32 Ruth L Kirschstein Individual National Research Service Award, 2021
NIH T32 Ruth L Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award, 2020
American Society of Biomechanics Pre-doctoral Young Scientist Award, 2019
Whitaker International Fellowship, 2017
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, 2015
Laureate of National Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi, 2014
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student-Athlete of the Year, 2014